Revision 1

Overview

The Paralives town is divided into four distinct districts, each with its own architectural style, backstory, and atmosphere. Together they form an open world that players can explore freely without loading screens. The town contains approximately 50 to 70 lots in total, including residential properties, public parks, shops, and workplaces. Each district offers a different living experience, from dense urban streets to wide-open rural land.

The district system reflects the fictional town's history, with each area representing a different era of growth and development. The developers drew inspiration from real-world places and architectural traditions when designing the look and feel of each neighborhood.

Old Town

Old Town is the most densely populated district and the historical heart of the town. It features a European-inspired architectural style, with townhouses made of stone lining narrow streets. At its center stands a small castle that was built when the city was first established many centuries ago, serving as a reminder of the town's origins.

The design of Old Town draws direct inspiration from the history of Quebec. The developers wanted to represent a fortified town that could have been a trading post during the 17th century, similar to how Quebec City evolved from a French colonial settlement into a vibrant urban center. This historical influence is visible in the stone construction, the compact street layout, and the prominence of the castle as a central landmark.

Old Town is well suited for players who enjoy a more urban lifestyle, with shops, restaurants, and social venues within walking distance of residential lots. The tight spacing between buildings creates a cozy, community-focused atmosphere.

Industrial District

The Industrial district represents a later era in the town's history, when the settlement went through an industrial revolution. This area is characterized by factories and houses made of brick, giving it a grittier and more utilitarian look compared to Old Town's stone elegance.

Since the industrial era ended, some buildings in the district have been abandoned while others were renovated into modern lofts. This mix of decay and renewal gives the Industrial district a distinctive character, blending historical architecture with contemporary living spaces.

The most prominent landmark in the Industrial district is the Edwards & Co. Factory, an abandoned shoe manufacturing facility. Nature has crept over the building; windows are haphazardly boarded up, vandals and artists have covered the walls and water towers with graffiti, and plants have crawled up to the roof. The factory is one of the biggest builds in the game in terms of size and stands as a visual centerpiece of the neighborhood.

Mountain District

The Mountain district is separated from the rest of the town by a massive chasm, making it the most geographically isolated area. Players can access the mountain via three different routes: hiking trails that wind through the gorge below, a long road that stretches across the chasm, and a train track that connects the mountain to the main town.

The mountain area features three distinct hiking trails that allow Parafolk to explore the natural landscape on foot. At the peak, a rest stop equipped with binoculars offers panoramic views of both the sea and the town below. This scenic viewpoint is designed as a place to slow down and appreciate the environment, rewarding players who make the trek to the top.

The combination of the chasm, the multiple access routes, and the elevation change makes the Mountain district one of the most visually dramatic areas in the game. It provides a stark contrast to the flat, developed districts and offers opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.

Countryside

The Countryside district is the most spacious area in the town, featuring large lots and abundant empty space. It is the ideal location for players who enjoy building or prefer a quieter, rural lifestyle away from the busier urban districts.

Unlike Old Town and the Industrial district, where buildings are tightly packed, the Countryside offers room to spread out. Lots here are significantly larger, giving players more freedom to construct sprawling homes, gardens, or other creative builds. The open landscape and rural setting provide a peaceful atmosphere that stands in contrast to the dense streets of the town center.

The Countryside is well suited for players who want to live on the outskirts of the town with plenty of space for customization and quiet living.

District Comparison

Town Design

The town was designed by Alex Masse and the Paralives team with the goal of creating a world that feels lived-in and historically grounded. Each district tells a piece of the town's story, from its medieval founding (Old Town) through its industrial expansion (Industrial) to its natural surroundings (Mountain) and agricultural roots (Countryside).

The open-world design means that Parafolk can walk, drive, or take the train between districts without encountering loading screens. This seamless connectivity encourages exploration and makes the town feel like a cohesive, unified space rather than a collection of disconnected areas.